P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has taken aim at F1 rivals Mercedes for creating unnecessary “hype” around the team’s rookie driver, Andrea Kimi Antonelli.
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko criticized Mercedes for generating unwarranted buzz around their rookie F1 driver, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who was selected to replace Lewis Hamilton this season. Despite showing signs of maturity and some solid performances, Antonelli has faced challenges due to recurring problems with Mercedes’ W16 car. Marko attributes Antonelli’s struggles to the lack of a feeder team like Red Bull’s Racing Bulls for cultivating young talent without undue pressure. Antonelli’s difficult season hit a low point at the Belgian Grand Prix, where he finished outside the points and struggled in qualifying. Marko believes that Antonelli needs time to regain his confidence and form, emphasizing the importance of mental readiness and car performance in F1. He contrasts Red Bull’s approach of nurturing young drivers with Mercedes’ reliance on a single team for driver development.
